Human-Computer Interaction Overview

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Questions and Answers

What should be avoided to ensure a user-friendly visual display layout?

Using too many colors (correct)

Strategically placing important items

Organizing information by importance

Aligning items vertically or horizontally

Where should the most important items be placed on a web page for optimal user accessibility?

Top center of the web page (correct)

Randomly throughout the page

At the bottom of the page

In a sidebar

What is the goal of structuring a web page for easy comparison?

To clutter the page more

To minimize the visual appeal

To help users discern trends and relationships (correct)

To confuse the users

What should be maintained to optimize display density on a web page?

An organized arrangement of information Signup and view all the answers

How should line lengths be adjusted based on the primary use of the web page?

Longer lines for reading speed, shorter for acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant design guideline regarding the placement of clickable items?

Keep them consistently in the same locations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the necessary alignment of elements on a web page?

Items should be visually aligned, either vertically or horizontally Signup and view all the answers

To retain critical functions visible while accessing other information, what should be used?

Frames Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of having a cluttered web page for users?

It creates confusion and reduces usability Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the importance of establishing a level of importance for information on a web page?

It guides users in navigating the information hierarchy effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of memory in the decision-making process?

To retain external world knowledge and plan execution Signup and view all the answers

What does the decision maker/executor do after formulating a plan?

Command the motor system to perform actions Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a critical step in problem-solving?

Defining and identifying a problem needing a solution Signup and view all the answers

Why might the enactment of subtasks not guarantee success?

External situations could influence the results Signup and view all the answers

In a hierarchical task model, how are subtasks organized?

Some subtasks need to be completed in series, others concurrently Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for refining a hierarchical plan into sub-goals?

To allow a more structured approach to problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What role does the interactive task model serve in HCI design?

It offers a structured basis for designing interfaces Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of problem-solving evolve after initial actions are taken?

It requires repeating and revising the plan based on outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a major issue when users have to scan a large number of options before making a selection?

Users feel anxious and uncertain Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to help users recognize important information while using online purchasing systems?

Refreshing users' memory by displaying relevant information periodically Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive process occurs in the brain when a user switches from one task to another?

The working memory content is replaced with context relevant to the new task Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for applications to improve user experience during multitasking?

To capture context information for later display and reminders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can contribute to errors in online purchasing systems?

Forgetting crucial details like delivery options or billing addresses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for systems to facilitate recognition instead of relying entirely on recall?

Users often find recognition tasks easier than recall tasks Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of multitasking in modern computing settings?

Degradation in task performance due to context switching Signup and view all the answers

How can presenting superfluous user status in online interfaces affect users?

It decreases their confidence in the purchasing process Signup and view all the answers

What is haptic feedback primarily related to?

The sensation of touch and force feedback Signup and view all the answers

Why is haptic technology becoming increasingly important?

Technological advancements and decreasing costs Signup and view all the answers

When designing interfaces for older users, which type of touchscreen technology might be more appropriate?

Resistive technology Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of haptic feedback is crucial when there is no visible or auditory feedback?

Indication of control operation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tactile' refer to in the context of user interfaces?

The feel of the device through touch Signup and view all the answers

In what context are auditory information interfaces most critical?

For users with visual impairment Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential design consideration when developing a mobile application?

All potential contexts of use Signup and view all the answers

What improvement in device design is illustrated by the evolution of mice from square to rounded shapes?

Enhanced emotional experience through ergonomics Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of developers in human-computer interaction?

To enhance the quality and efficiency of interaction between humans and computers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should developers take to achieve efficient human-computer interaction?

Understand how people use technology. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect to consider regarding users in HCI design?

The system should meet the users' requirements without imposing changes. Signup and view all the answers

In HCI design, which criterion relates to understanding different user demographics?

User type criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'user first' imply in the context of HCI design?

User needs and preferences should take priority in design. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following categories is NOT considered when implementing HCI guidelines?

Development methodology. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a suitable aim of computer system design for users?

To ensure systems are safe and functional for all users. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to understand users' biases in HCI design?

To create systems that accommodate diverse perspectives and needs. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human- computer Interaction (HCI)

The design of computer systems that are easy and satisfying to use.
Focuses on usability, effectiveness, efficiency, safety and functionality
HCI developers should understand how people use technology and build suitable systems that are efficient, effective, and safe.
Users' needs are prioritized.
To understand users, it is necessary to understand the processes, capabilities, and biases they bring to the tasks they perform.
The system should be designed to match the users' requirements.
It's important to understand what the computer can do for users and how it might best communicate with them.
HCI guidelines provide specific advice within broader principles.
Guidelines vary depending on user type (e.g., age, disability, gender, culture).

Visual Display Layout

The layout should be organized based on information content (importance, sequence, functionality).
The layout should be manageable (divided into sections), visually pleasing (aligned and with restricted use of colors), and attention-grabbing.

Designing for Users

Cluttered displays should be avoided.
Important items should be placed consistently and near the top of the page.
The most important items should be located at the top center of the page.
The web page should be structured so items can be easily compared to facilitate analysis of similarities, differences, trends, and relationships.
A high-to-low level of importance should be established for information to guide user navigation.
The display density should be optimized to prevent overcrowding.
Elements on the page should be visually aligned, either vertically or horizontally.
Appropriate page lengths should be set to support the primary web page use.
Longer lines lengths (75-100 characters per line) are suitable if reading speed is paramount; shorter line lengths (50 characters per line) are more appropriate if website acceptance is the main objective.
Frames should be used when certain functions need to remain visible on the screen as the user accesses other information on the site.

Human Memory and Interactive Processes

Memory stores both short-term and long-term knowledge.
This knowledge includes information about the external world, procedures, rules, schemas, potential actions and objectives.
The decision maker/executor formulates and revises a plan based on the knowledge in memory, and chooses actions based on the external situation.
A hierarchical plan is created by breaking down a main goal into sub-goals, and then identifying actions or subtasks to address those individual sub goals.
This process is iterative and can be repeated if subtasks are unsuccessful.
Interface structures can be refined based on the hierarchical task model, with each subtask at the bottom representing a potential interface element.
For instance, in online shopping, users may need to be reminded of past actions (items, delivery options, payment information) to avoid errors.

Multitasking and Memory

Multitasking involves frequent "context switches" in the brain.
Context switching impacts performance as the working memory content is replaced with information relevant to the new task.
To facilitate multitasking, applications can assist users' context-switch processes by capturing context information during suspension, and reminding and highlighting it upon resumption.

Feedback and Sensory Interfaces

Auditory feedback is essential for users with visual impairments.
Haptic interfaces, which rely on touch and force feedback, are becoming increasingly important.
Tactile and haptic interfaces provide feedback through touch and motion.
Many smartphones incorporate haptics for system controls and interactions.

Implementation in System Design

System performance is influenced by users, tasks, technology, and context.
Haptic interfaces are particularly useful for people with visual impairments, as technology improves and costs decrease.
Older users may require different types of technology, such as resistive touch screens instead of capacitive touchscreens.
Haptics play an important role in a device's feel and aesthetics, contributing to the user experience.
Haptic feedback is essential for manual controls, particularly when visual or auditory feedback is limited.
Mobile applications and systems need to be designed for various usage contexts.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on the design of user-friendly computer systems. Learn how usability, effectiveness, and user needs shape the development of technology. It covers key guidelines and the importance of visual display layout tailored for diverse user groups.